What is the most important information I should know about eplerenone (Inspra)?

You may not be able to take this medication if you have severe kidney disease, high potassium levels in your blood, or type 2 diabetes with protein in your urine.

You also may not be able to take eplerenone if you are also taking ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), nefazodone, clarithromycin (Biaxin), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra), or troleandomycin (Tao).

Before taking eplerenone, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking eplerenone, unless your doctor has told you to.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your potassium levels will also need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.